ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia: Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called for a United Nations investigation into alleged “war crimes” committed by the Ethiopian army in the conflict-ridden Amhara region.
The call comes in the wake of reports detailing egregious abuses by government forces, including the killing of civilians and destruction of property.
According to testimonies collected by HRW, Ethiopian soldiers in Merawi city engaged in a deadly rampage, shooting civilians on the streets and conducting house raids after clashes with local militia Fano. The incident, which left at least 45 people dead, represents one of the deadliest episodes in the ongoing conflict in Amhara.
HRW has urged the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to launch an independent inquiry into the abuses, emphasizing the need for accountability. The organization also called on the African Union to suspend deployments of Ethiopian federal forces to peacekeeping missions until those responsible for grave abuses are held to account.
Laetitia Bader, HRW’s deputy Africa director, condemned the Ethiopian government’s failure to ensure accountability for atrocities, highlighting the dire consequences for civilians caught in conflict zones. She stressed that the deliberate targeting of civilians has become alarmingly routine, perpetuating cycles of violence and impunity.
Ethiopia’s parliament recently extended a state of emergency in Amhara, reflecting ongoing efforts to quell unrest fueled by grievances among groups like the Fano militia. The peace agreement signed in November 2022 has failed to address deep-seated tensions, particularly regarding territorial disputes in the northern region.
HRW’s call for international scrutiny underscores the urgent need to address human rights violations and promote accountability in Ethiopia’s troubled Amhara region.
